Tulane middle linebacker Trent Mackey selected as Conference USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

Conference USA football coaches have voted Tulane middle linebacker Trent Mackey as the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced Monday.

Mackey, who was also selected to the All-Conference USA defensive first team, racked up 145 tackles last season as a junior. Mackey finished last season second in the conference and fourth nationally with 12.1 tackles per game.

The Port Sulphur native was also selected to the C-USA defensive first team last season. He also recorded 14 tackles for loss last year, a number that ranked fifth in the conference.

Mackey is also on the preseason watch lists for the Lombardi Award, which is given to nation's top lineman or linebacker and the Nagurski Award, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.